Merapi Activity Remains Dynamic, Sleman BPBD Focuses on Disaster Mitigation

The Sleman Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Central Java is strengthening various disaster mitigation steps, both structural and non-structural, following the designation of Mount Merapi at Level III (Alert) status, which has persisted since 5 November 2020.

The Head of BPBD Sleman, Bambang Kuntoro, stated in Sleman on Friday that the high volcanic activity of Mount Merapi—characterised by up to 120 material falls per day and periodic pyroclastic flows—demands full preparedness from all stakeholders.

“Merapi is currently in a state of Emergency Alert. Its activity remains dynamic, with dozens to hundreds of falls occurring every day. Therefore, we are continuously optimising disaster mitigation measures before the potential risk develops to the Emergency Response level, should there be an increase in status,” said Bambum.

Regarding structural mitigation, he noted that BPBD Sleman is focusing on improving evacuation infrastructure and early warning systems. These steps include widening and repairing evacuation routes, reinforcing landslide-prone cliffs along evacuation paths, and monitoring the condition of ‘sabo’ dams, which are frequently traversed by heavy transport.

Currently, there are a total of 37 Early Warning Systems (EWS) installed in the Sleman region, consisting of 34 units along the slopes of Merapi and three units in the Prambanan area for monitoring water overflow.

“We are checking, repairing, and maintaining digital EWS, including both audio sirens and CCTV cameras, from the Merapi slopes to the evacuation barracks. The readiness of barracks as well as the supply of food and non-food logistics, including stocks of dust masks, has also been prepared,” he added.

From a non-structural mitigation perspective, BPBD Sleman is intensively conducting Communication, Information, and Education (KIE) programmes for residents in Disaster Prone Areas (KRB), which cover three sub-districts: Turi, Cangkringan, and Pakem.

“Regarding short-term vigilance, BPBD Sleman is increasing visual monitoring of potential vegetation fires on the upper slopes caused by the impact of Merapi’s hot materials,” he said.

The agency also maintains regular coordination with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (BPPTKG), the Mount Merapi National Park Office (TNGM), and the Merapi Ring Coordination Forum, which includes the Sleman, Boyolali, Magelang, and Klaten regencies.